[VXLS1WAG]

Sorry to ask the age old question, I've done plenty of research and generally its the 308 over the 253, but thats if your hunting power, so I want some opinions on my specific needs.

First, let me explain what the cars for. Its a HZ Panelvan. I pretty much use it as a daily and always take it camping. Its got a 202 3 speed at present. I simple want an 8 for a little more power and a nice little note with the best fuel economy possible. I'm not after a power house at present, just want a cruiser - fuel economy is my deciding factor at present. Shes about to get a full over-haul, but the bloke doing the bodywork/paint is pretty much refusing to put the 202 back in it, and while its off the chassis, is gunna drop an 8 in it.

Heres the options I'm considering. All these combos are sitting in hes shed, and I can have pretty much anyone for the same price (slightly more for the 5 speed):
1. Reco 253 Blue motor with standard manifold and 4 barrel carby running a 4 speed
2. Reco 253 Blue motor with standard manifold and 4 barrel carby running a 5 speed
3. Stroked 253 Red motor with 350 holley (same gearbox options as above)
4. 308 red motor with holley (same gearbox options as above)

I know the 308 is probably the best bet, but possibly not suitable for my needs at present. When it turns into the sunday driver, then its another story! I envisage that option 2 would be the most fuel economical, but the disadvantage is i'd have to loose the bench seat and I often take three passangers. Although he suggested putting a b/m shifter in to bring the shift forward on the tunnel. Right now I'm leaning towards number 1, and thats what the guys whos owns them suggested also to met my needs.

I had contempleted a V6 conversion but dying for the note of an 8 and will sacrifice some fuel for that. 304 was another option, but really dont have enough coin for that just yet.

Whats peoples opinions on these setups or experience/advantage of the 5 speed? Also, any advantage of the blue 253 (newer) over the red?

Cheers, Ty

[spauldj3800]

From all accounts, fuel economy (which seems to be the thing you are chasing) isn't much, if any better, on a 253 over a 308. Especially, I'd guess, on a stroked 253. So if I were you, I'd probably go the 308 to start with, then its easy enough to get a stroker kit/Vn heads etc later on, instead of doing it all twice, so to speak.

But then again, for a mechanic, I'd make a good pizza chef.

[xlr8ta]

I agree with that completely, 253 will definately give you the V8 note but that's about it, performance isn't that much better than a 202 and fuel consumption increases dramatically despite that fact. That being said I've never had any first hand experience with a 253 stroker so that may be an option, however, personally I'd go the 308

[BLOWN 383 UTE]

Go for the 308. It should be cheaper on fuel too as it has alot more torque and will loose power when when going over hills ect.
If you then want to chase more power you can add a stroker kit from COME Racing for $2500 for a full kit( crank, rods, forged pistons, bearings and balanced).

You have a few to pick from too. 333, 355, 383 and the 396 stroker which will handle 600hp all day long on the cast crank.

[vyjess]

just go for the one you think is the best value! no use buying an old smokey 308 if u can have a reco 253 for the same money and if u r on a budget u dont need to be spending money on a rebuild. the blue 253 mite not be the most powerful thing about but it will probly be the most reliable!

[VXLS1WAG]

Thanks for the input everyone. I agree vyjess that I should probably just grab the best of the 3 engines for now, and from hes account the blue 253 is the one and I have faith in him. But then, once the 308s in there, I can build it up later. Mind you, could always put the 253 in for the next few cruising years, and grab the 308 of him and build it up in the shed slowly as he reckons the 308 is no where near as fresh as the 253 blue.

My biggest delima is whether I should just put up with the 202 for now and save the cash for a V8 later as I was previously going to do before he offer to drop one in. For the engine/gearbox and all components to put it on the road including extractors and exhaust, freshly painted in matching car colours and obviously fitting it is going to cost around $2000 on top of the bodywork/painting. I was initially going to use that 2G for interior, although it is mint grandpa brown at the moment; kinda like the old school look Just seems like an oportune moment now to put an 8 in, I'm dying for that note more than anything!